Canada's Polytechnics Driving Innovation, Opportunities, Says Minister Findlay

BURNABY, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Nov. 14, 2014) - Department of Industry

During a keynote address at the Polytechnics Canada Student Applied Research Showcase today, the Honourable Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Minister of National Revenue, outlined the government's record investments in science, technology and innovation. The Minister also highlighted government initiatives like the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada's College and Community Innovation Program, which encourages greater partnerships with small and medium-sized businesses and ensures that applied research is being transformed into innovative commercial products and services while preparing students for future careers by providing hands-on training opportunities. She attended the event on behalf of the Honourable Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology).

Quick facts

• Established in 2003, Polytechnics Canada is a national alliance of 11 applied research colleges. The organization's member colleges have undertaken more than 5,700 applied research projects, solving industry-identified challenges.

• Since 2006, the Harper Government has provided more than $11 billion in new resources to support science, technology and innovation, including support for colleges and polytechnics.

• The College and Community Innovation (CCI) Program helps increase innovation in Canadian communities by supporting applied research projects that bring together colleges and local businesses, particularly small and medium-sized businesses.

• Since CCI became a permanent program in 2008, the Harper Government has invested more than $255 million, supporting more than 900 projects at almost 100 colleges, polytechnics and cégeps across Canada.

Quotes

"Our government has made record investments in science, technology and innovation to create jobs and prosperity and improve the quality of life of Canadians. The approach of Canadian polytechnics to applied research is providing important hands-on learning opportunities for job-ready graduates while boosting business innovation at Canadian small and medium-sized businesses."

- Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Delta-Richmond East

"Polytechnics Canada is very pleased that Minister Kerry-Lynne Findlay will bring the good wishes and recognition of the federal government to our student innovators at our ninth annual showcase at BCIT.

Our showcase celebrates the collaboration that is so vital for innovation; collaboration between our students and our partner companies, aided by our faculty and researchers; and collaboration that strengthens industry innovation across Canada. The showcase demonstrates that innovation is a team sport. That's where other countries are, and it's where Canada needs to be."

- Nobina Robinson, Chief Executive Officer, Polytechnics Canada

Associated links

Polytechnics Canada website

College and Community Innovation Program

Science.gc.ca

Industry Canada Science and Technology website